Tonight, The X Factor judges each advance two of their acts based on last night’s live performance show, and then the remaining two acts sing for survival. Who will Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, and L.A. Reid consider worthy of the top 12?

Based on last night’s show, Demi advances Jennel and Paige (and the satellite dish on her head) to the top 12. They’re sent backstage to endure Khloe Kardashian. I think I’d rather “sing for my life.” I’m still bitter about Paige being selected for top 16 over Jillian Jensen, so this decision angers me.

CeCe sings “Out Here On My Own.” Thoroughly impressed, L.A. tells a very emotional CeCe that she just saved herself.

Singing “You Don’t Know Me,” Willie gives it his all. Is it enough? Britney isn’t sure where Willie fits in. According to Simon, Demi doesn’t know what to do with Willie’s unique voice.

Demi eliminates Willie. Cece lives to see another week.

Side note: Mario Lopez needs to teach Khloe how to read a teleprompter.

L.A. Reid and the Over 25s: David Correy, Vino Alan, Tate Stevens, and Jason Brock.

First, L.A. admits he chose the wrong song for Jason, and Vino says his “Britney crush” is officially over since she called him boring. L.A. saves Vino and Tate. After Khloe says “this is it” for the 17th time, David and Jason prepare for the “most important performance of their lives.” This show is so dramatic… I love it.

David sings “Since U Been Gone.” The audience screams louder than normal. Reading from her list of pre-approved responses, Britney says, “Amazing.” Demi admits she did not like the arrangement of the song and says it felt forced. Simon agrees with Demi.

Jason redeems himself with “One Moment In Time.” Britney declares herself a Jason fan. Backstage, Vino tortures a Britney voodoo doll. (Okay, I made that up.) Demi tells Jason there’s something genuine in him, behind his eyes. Simon says, “Slight problem – you’re asking me to choose between two horses last in the race.” It’s no secret that Simon couldn’t care less about anyone in this category, but he didn’t need to be so harsh. (coming from a huge Simon fan!)

Before L.A. announces his decision, he tells Simon, “That was really mean.” In the end, L.A. eliminates David (color me shocked) and saves Jason.

Arin sings “I Look To You.” Same as Paige, I must hear something completely different than the judges do, because I find Arin to be extremely underwhelming. Me = not good enough. Judges = tongue bath. L.A. thinks it’s a national crisis that Arin has been put in this “sing off” position. Demi says, “The girls are screaming for a reason.” Simon adds, “That was great.” All three judges agree, it would be a crime if Arin were to leave the competition tonight.

Diamond slays “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.” L.A. tells Diamond she is a “sensational vocalist.” An impressed Demi says she sees soul and fire behind Diamond’s eyes. Simon believes Diamond deserves to be in the top 12 after that performance. I agree, which means she’s a goner.

Yup. Britney eliminates Diamond… an X Factor crime! Arin moves on to the top 12. I half expect/half hope Simon will magically declare both Arin and Diamond safe. Sadly, this does not happen before Khloe tells us to have a great night. The credits roll without Diamond being saved.

Before a decision is announced, we have to listen to Sister C blame their nauseating nasally vocals on the stagehands forgetting to place their steps on stage during the live show. That makes perfect sense.

The first two groups in the top 12 are Emblem3 and Lyric 145. Sister C and 1432 sing for survival.

1432 boldly take on Demi’s “Skyscraper.” Once again referring to her list, Britney repeats, “You made me a believer.” Demi jokes that 1432 did the song better than the original singer.

Simon saves… Mario interrupts, “I’m sorry. We need the name of the act you are sending home.” Is this in the rule book? Simon doesn’t want to, Mario says he has to. This back and forth exchange goes on for a while.

Finally, Simon relents and eliminates Sister C. Simon lets 1432 move forward, but, he says, not with that stupid name. Simon directs us to The X Factor website to suggest a new name for the group.

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3 Responses to “The X Factor Recap: Judges Pick Top 12”

How can a show who spends sooo much money still come up short. How in the world can Willie be eliminated!!!! I have no further interest. Demi needs to mature in her craft because obviously she lacks JUDGEment!!!!!! How can someone contact Willie Jones???

They ditched some of the best contestants. X Factor is just rediculous this season.

Apart from Sister C who I thought were a bit whiny and twangy, the other three that were eliminated really deserved to be there. David Correy can do amazing things with his voice. Diamond is like a mini Whitney in the making.

Willie Jones was a rare find for the show and people like him. I felt that Demi Lovato was more interested in the girls because she could relate to them more.She seems obssessed with Cece. She chose her over Jillian who was a superior vocalist, then she chose her over Willie who was a breath of fresh air because of his originality.

Willie didn’t even get a real chance of showing us what he can do.She didn’t have the maturity and experience to handle the kind of unusual talent that Willie brought to the table. She turned his performance into some sleazy tacky saloon type performance.
Bad choices all around.